Investment and Action Plan to tackle damp and mould in Service Family Accommodation
Providing Service personnel and their families with safe, warm, dry, and compliant homes that are free of damp and mould is a critical priority for DIO. We fully acknowledge that not enough has been done in the past to ensure all homes are free of damp and mould and we are working hard to ensure all homes are to a standard that befits the many sacrifices Service personnel and their families make on behalf of the nation.
Over the years we have been working hard to improve homes. Last year we invested £123m to improve the quality of our homes in the UK and this year we are investing a further £143m. This will see significant improvements to around 45% of our homes, benefitting around 22,000 Service families.
However, we realise more needs to be done. DIO is therefore planning to invest £73m this year on replacement windows, doors, roofs and upgrades to thermal efficiency and ventilation to reduce the occurrence of damp and mould in homes.
We are also improving our process, through a Damp and Mould Action Plan, to provide a more proactive approach through earlier intervention and prevention. From April, there will be a dedicated hotline for families to report issues with damp and mould in their homes and we will communicate this new number to families as it goes live.
Together, these initiatives will make a big difference for thousands of military families.
Read more about the DIO Damp and Mould Action Plan here.